Me-Dam-Me-Phi is an important festival of the Tai Ahom community and is observed on January 31 every year in Assam. On the occasion, Assam Chief Minister greeted the Tai Ahoms with a tweet.
During the festival prayers are offered to the ancestors in traditional customs. The prayer is followed by a grand feast. The festival also symbolizes brotherhood and unity among the Tai Ahom community.
The word ‘Me’ means ‘offering’, ‘Dam’ means ‘ancestors’ and ‘Phi’ means ‘Gods’. Hence the ahoms offer prayers to their ancestors and sacrifices including roosters, eggs, ducks, porks, to the gods during this festival. In ancient times, buffaloes were also among the offerings during the festival.
Me-Dam-Me-Phi is celebrated across Assam individually with family as well as publicly. When Me Dam Me Phi is observed publicly worship is offered in the name of three gods and they are Me Dam Me Phi, Dam Changphi and Grihadam. God Dam Chao Phi is associated with the belief of some natural powers like creation and destruction, water, lightning and storm, sun, moon, learning, diseases, earth, etc
Community lunch is also a part of the celebrations of this festival. Traditionally cooked pork , chicken and rice is served along with local beverages.
